How to map crimes in your neighborhood

Law enforcement around the county has launched a new way for residents to stay informed on crime in their neighborhoods.

Residents can visit the website crimemapping.com to view crimes that have occurred countywide, with the ability to focus on specific neighborhoods and addresses. Users can also sign up for free email alerts to hear about the most recent crimes occurring near their home, school or work.

Users will get information on the type of crime reported, date, time and hundred block where it occurred.

Sheriff’s crime analysis manager Noah Fritz said the tool helps the public to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement. For example, if users notice three burglaries in the same neighborhood in a week, they might be more watchful of suspicious activity in the area, as well as take extra measures to protect themselves.

“Police departments used to operate in a vacuum, but what we are doing more in the 21st Century is being more transparent and building partnerships in the community and keeping people aware of what’s going on,” Fritz said.

The Sheriff’s Department has used the system for about a year, but it is now available to the entire region.

The online tool will replace other notification systems that have been used in the county previously, including the San Diego Police Department’s eWatch Notification emails. Users must sign up on the new website to continue to receive updates.

The website, owned by San Diego-based company The Omega Group, gathers crime data from the county’s various law enforcement agencies via a countywide database, Automated Regional Justice Information System.